Mykonos is a popular tourist destination in the Greek islands of the Cyclades group, situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Mykonos is located south of Tinos, east of Syros and north of Paros and Naxos.

Understand

Sunset at Paraportiani

Mykonos is famed as a cosmopolitan destination amongst the Greek islands and widely recognised as one of the great travel meccas. It is one of the most touristed islands in the Aegean. This means that any visitors should be prepared for loud dance clubs, English breakfasts and over-priced merchandise. Mykonos, along with Santorini, is more expensive than other Greek islands.

Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is mid-May through June (early season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or September through mid-October (post season).

Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Sitges (all in Spain) and Mykonos are the hottest gay holiday destinations that Europe has to offer. Out of these four Mykonos has the most character. Mykonos is a gay friendly island, featuring a vibrant gay nightlife.
Recently quite a few new gay bars and clubs have opened. If you're gay, get yourself an up-to-date map [1] with all the gay venues.
The most popular beaches with gay visitors are Super Paradise and Elia. These are not gay beaches, but they have parts where gay men and women congregate. The only gay beach deserving of the title is the small beach between Elia and Agrari.

Orientation

Mykonos' main communities are Chora, the island's port town and capital, and Ano Mera.

Mykonos Town (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes, houses and churches, gathered around its harbour in the middle of a wide bay. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and crowded towns of the Aegean. Although the streets are lined with little shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, stylish bars and restaurants, Mykonos Town has not completely lost its identity. Despite the island’s rapid growth and development, it’s traditional Cycladic architectural style and character has remained firmly intact, thanks to the island’s strict building regulations.

Ano Mera is a small village on the middle of the island, and the only inland settlement on the whole of Mykonos, about 7 km east of Mykonos Town. Ano Mera is based around a large central square, which is lined on three sides by a series of Greek tavernas. The monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542, is Ano Mera's most significant highlight.

Other small communities include:

Agios Ioannis is a small settlement with two taverns, one restaurant and one tiny store. Agios Ioannis is famous as the location for the movie "Shirley Valentine".

Agios Stefanos with many hotels, good restaurants, taverns and cafes.

Platys Gialos is a popular tourist resort where small fishing boats transport tourists to the southern beaches of Mykonos.

Ornos with several choices for staying, food and drink, and a well organized food market with a butcher's shop, bakery, super market and a pharmacy.

Tourlos is where most of the cruise ships dock, private yachts and fishing boats use the marina and the port receives some of the ferries coming from the mainland or other islands.

The climate of Mykonos is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Like in most of the Aegean islands it hardly ever rains during summer but rain showers can be expected between October and April. Temperatures in July and August range from 30ºC (86ºF) during the day to 22ºC (72ºF) at night. The Cyclades are famous for the constant wind (called meltemi) in July and August that mitigates the heat a bit.

In the whole period mid-May through mid-October it's usually warm and sunny enough to enjoy the beaches.

Talk

Greek is the official language of Greece, and therefore it's spoken by all the permanent inhabitants of the island and most of its visitors, but the foreign visitor will have no problem at all communicating in foreign languages, mainly in English.

Get in

View of Mykonos' port

By boat

From the Greek mainland ferries and highspeed catamaran services [2] run daily from Piraeus and Rafina. The highspeeds take half the time but cost twice as much.

The journey between the port of Piraeus (Athens) and Mykonos takes between 3h 30min and 5h 15min, depending on the type of ferry you are taking. On a slow ferry a seat in economy class will cost € 32; on a highspeed service expect to pay € 54.50. In Piraeus all the highspeed ferries to Mykonos depart from Port Gate Ε7; the conventional ferries leave from Port Gate Ε1. Most of the ferries connecting Piraeus to Mykonos stop working by end of October and resume by April.

Many travellers probably don’t even consider Rafina a possible departure port if they are heading to one of the Cyclades, but if you are arriving at the airport of Athens you are often better off taking a ferry from Rafina than traveling to Athens and get a ferry from Piraeus. The journey between Rafina and Mykonos takes between 2h 10min and 5h 30min, depending on the type of ferry you are taking. On a regular ferry expect to pay € 23.50 per person for a seat in economy class; on a highspeed catamaran service expect to pay € 52.50. Most of the ferries connecting Rafina to Mykonos stop working by end of October and resume by April.

Pre-booking of ferries and highspeeds is only necessary from mid-July to late August or just before or after a Greek holiday.
Beware that every year at the 15th of Augustus the island of Tinos is a goal for thousands of orthodox pilgrims. Most ferries and highspeeds from Pireaus and Rafina to Mykonos make a stop at Tinos. This means that around this period it is recommended to buy tickets well in advance. Also expect a lot of Greek tourist to visit Mykonos around the weekend of Pentacost, which is at movable dates but in 2012 will be at the 3rd and 4th of June.

Keep in mind that if you book your ticket online, you will still need to collect the ticket from a travel agency once you get to Greece.

Boat services can be cancelled due to strong wind. Weather cancellations are very rare, though, only a few days over the course of a summer.

Mykonos has two ports: the old port in Mykonos Town, and the new port at Tourlos, about 2 km north of Mykonos Town. Check before you travel which port your boat will use. Most of the ferries use the new port. The highspeed catamaran services still use the old port in Mykonos Town.

From the port to Mykonos Town

During high season there is an infrequent public bus service from the new port in Tourlos to Mykonos Town. It is best to take a taxi. It is possible to walk from the new port into town, but it will take around 45 minutes along a busy main road without a pavement.

From the old port it is a short and easy walk along the coast into town.

By cruise ship

Mykonos is a popular stop on cruise ship tours of the Greek Islands.
Almost all cruise ships dock at the new port in Tourlos, some cruise ships use the old port, and if several ships visit at once, one or more may have to moor/anchor off-shore.

If you are arriving at the new port, make use of the cruise shuttle bus to Mykonos Town. You can also take a taxi yourself, but with so many people arriving at the same time it won't be easy to catch one. The cruise shuttle bus will likely drop you off at a parking area not far from the northern bus station in Mykonos Town. It is less than a 10-minute ride. From there everything is within walking distance.

If you dock at the old port or tender in from your anchored/moored ship, you will arrive within a 10-minute walk of the heart of Mykonos Town, and no bus ride will be necessary or available.

It is easy to explore Mykonos independently. There's no real need to book excursions. Also the recommended excursion to Delos can be booked independently (guided or unguided).

By plane

Mykonos has an airport (IATA: JMK) [7], about 4km away from the main town. There are daily flights from Athens airport (35 minutes) by Olympic Air [8] and Aegean Airlines [9]. During summer both Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines have daily direct flights from Thessaloniki.
In high season there are also less frequent flights from Rhodes, Santorini, Crete (Heraklion) and Volos by Sky Express [10]. During the months of July and August Astra Airlines [11] flies from Thessaloniki.

From May till October charter airlines fly directly to Mykonos from many European airports.

At the arrival area of the airport you may find an ATM, shops, a cafetaria, public phones, a post box, an office of the Mykonos Hoteliers Association, an Olympic Air office, an Aegean Airlines office and many car rental companies.
In the terminal building on the first floor there is a duty-free shop for departing passengers selling tobacco, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, travel accessories and gift items.

Take a free and useful Mykonos Sky Map [28] from the luggage collecting hall at the airport. This free map is also sold in shops in Mykonos Town.

From the airport to Mykonos Town

Many Mykonos hotels offer airport transfers, at rates that can be anything from free to more than a taxi. Best chance for a free transfer is when you book your room directly with the hotel. A transfer by your hotel is the easiest way to get to your hotel, so check with your hotel before arrival.

Taxis are usually waiting at the airport, at the taxi rank opposite the terminal building, but competition for them can be keen. If there is no taxi waiting you can see the sign with the phone numbers of the taxi radio office so you may call. A taxi from Mykonos airport to town costs about € 8, a few euros more if you are carrying luggage.

During high season there is an infrequent public bus service from the airport to the southern bus terminal, Fabrika, in Mykonos Town. A bus ticket costs € 1.60. The bus leaves the southern bus terminal in Mykonos Town at 12:15PM and 1.45PM, and then is scheduled to go back from the airport to Fabrika 10 minutes later. As the schedule changes every two weeks those times might change a little. It is not really worth waiting around for a bus unless it is already there. This bus service is not useful if you have to go to the (old or new) port.

Get around

Distances from Mykonos Town in km (and taxi prices in 2007)

Airport 4.2 (€ 5.90)

Agios Ioannis 4.5 (€ 5.90)

Agios Stefanos 3 (€ 4.00)

Agrari 7.5

Ano Mera 8 (€ 6.90)

Elia (€ 11.40)

Kalafatis 11 (€ 10.50)

Kalo Livadi 10

Ornos 3.5 (€ 4.40)

Paradise 6 (€ 7.20)

Paranga 5

Platys Gialos 5 (€ 5.90)

Psarou 4.5 (€ 5.90)

Tourlos 2 (€ 3.70)

With a length of 12 to 15 km and a width of 10km, Mykonos is one of the smallest of the Cyclades islands. On Mykonos you can get around by bus, taxi, car, scooter, ATV or boat.

By bus

There is a bus network [29] that takes you around the island. There are two bus stations in Mykonos Town, each on different sides of Mykonos Town. From the main southern bus station, Fabrica, buses can be taken for departures to Platys Gialos (every half hour), Paraga (every hour), Paradise (every half hour), Ornos and Agios Ioannis. There are also night buses from Mykonos to Platys Gialos and Paradise leaving every hour. From the northern bus station which is not very far from the old port ferry quay, buses can be taken for departures to Ano Mera, Elia (departing at 11AM, noon, 2PM, 4PM, 6PM and 7PM, returning 30 minutes later) and Kalafatis.
Departure times are clearly marked at the two bus stations and the end of the bus routes. Bus schedules change a bit about every two weeks. Frequencies of buses are higher in high season.

There is no bus connection between the two bus stations. From one bus station to the other will take about 20 minutes of walking through the streets of Mykonos Town.

It is possible to buy your bus ticket from the bus driver (have exact change ready), but you can also buy your bus tickets before boarding the bus. Bus tickets can be bought in advance from a bus ticket vending machine (euro coins necesary) and can be purchased at kiosks, mini-markets and tourist shops as well. There are no return tickets available; for a return trip you simply need two single tickets. Hand over your ticket to the bus driver and he will "validate" it by simply tearing your ticket. There are ticket stamping machines in the bus, but they simply don't function. Don't be surprised if a man that is already on the bus near the bus driver will check your "validated" ticket a few minutes later. Even though your ticket is just teared and not stamped, he will inspect your ticket thoroughly, looking for counterfeited tickets. Bus tickets are € 1.60, except for the further destinations of Elia and Kalafatis which cost € 1.70. Tickets for night buses are € 2. Buses in Mykonos are almost always full during the busy parts of the day; the bus driver will squeeze in as many passengers as he possibly can.

By taxi

On the entire island there are only about 30 taxis, which means that depending on taxis for transport can be an exercise of great patience. In Mykonos Town the main location for taxis is in Manto Square (also called Town Square or Taxi Square), on the harbour front near the statue. You have to wait in line and sometimes you can wait for hours in the taxi queue. In the evening it can be very difficult to find a taxi. Taxis do not use meters, but there's a notice board giving rates for each destination. Fares are quite reasonable. Calling for a radio taxi costs € 1.30 extra, and an appointment € 5 in addition to the fare. Contact telephone numbers are 22400 and 23700.

By boat

The Plati Yalos Boat Service [30] provides a good and fun way of getting to the southern beaches of Mykonos.

From Platys Gialos small fishing boats converted into tourist transport leave every hour or less to the beaches of Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. First departure 10:15AM until 4:15PM every hour. Last return to Platys Gialos from Elia at 6PM and from Super Paradise at 8PM.

Price for a return ticket is € 5 for Paranga and Paradise, € 6 for Super Paradise and € 7 for Agrari and Elia. Boat services can be cancelled due to strong wind, but with the exception of Super Paradise all of these beaches can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town as well.

From June to September there are also infrequently boats leaving from the harbour in Mykonos Town to Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia.

By car or by motorbike

Mykonos has an extensive public transport system from Mykonos Town. By public transport it is easy to get to all the southern beaches, which happen to be the nicest beaches as well. Renting a motorbike or a car is the way to go if you want to explore the rest of the island, especially the more remote beaches at the north coast. Motorbike and car rentals are readily available around the island. In Mykonos Town the highest concentration of rent a car - motorbike agencies is in and around the area of the southern busstation, where you will find a wide range of choices. The other area of Mykonos Town with rent a car - motorbike agencies is near to the old port, behind the Archaeological Museum.

If you rent a car be aware that cars are not permitted in the town of Mykonos. There are parking areas on the outskirts of town, but during peak season finding a parking space is usually a challenge. You can always try the huge public parking area next to the old port. Considering Mykonos is a very small island, renting a bike might be a better choice, unless you are planning to stay far out of town and from beaches. Bikes are cheap to rent, you can park them almost anywhere, and it is cooler than a car standing in the hot sun all day.

See

Windmills in Mykonos Town

Attractions in Mykonos Town

The Windmills, Mykonos Town (western part of town). From as early as the 16th century, the windmills are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos. Once this island was a great producer of wheat and bread. The area of the windmills has a splendid view on Little Venice and is the most popular place in Mykonos to watch the sunset.

Little Venice (Alefkandra), Mykonos Town (most western part of town). A district located at the sea, famous for its picturesque medieval two and three storey houses, which stand like a wall above the sea, and their colourful wooden balconies. Little Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the whole of Mykonos and offers a fantastic sunset. A favourite activity is drinking a cocktail in one of the many bars and cafes while watching the sunset on the seashore. You will reach Little Venice walking from the windmills down the stairs. It is only a five minute walk from Fabrika bus station and there is a sign for it on the other side of the square.

Panagia Paraportiani, Mykonos Town (most western part of town). Of all the churches on Mykonos, the most impressive is Panagia Paraportianí, a true Byzantine jewel. This whitewashed church, which building dates back to 1425 and was not completed until the 17th century, is the most popular and most photographed of the 400 churches on the whole island of Mykonos. It is made up of four chapels at ground level with another one above. Only one of the chapels on the ground floor is open to visitors, from early morning until sunset. The church is located in the Kastro district, the oldest section of Mykonos Town.

Petros the Pelican, the island's mascot, can sometimes be found at the waterfront or even up in town. Originally the pelican was found wounded off the coast of Paranga shore after a storm back in the 1950s by a local fisherman. The pelican was nursed to health and remained on the island supported by locals. It soon adopted the name “Petros”. To great disappointment by locals and tourists alike, Petros was hit by a car on 2 December 1985 and failed to recover. After Petros died in 1986 he was so popular that a new pelican was introduced as a successor. Now there are three pelicans inhabiting the island. This means that the Petros you meet, can be a Petra. Well, this is Mykonos.

Museums

All museums are open from April to October, except the Archaeological Museum which is open year round. Most people keep the museums for a rainy day, but the Archaeological Museum is worth a visit.

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Mykonos Town (near the northern bus station), ☎+30 22890 22325. Open daily from 8:30AM to 3PM, except Mondays. The exhibition of the museum includes a large number of vases, ranging from the prehistoric to the late Hellenistic period (25th-1st century B.C.), grave statues, stelae and funerary urns from the nearby island of Rheneia (Delos' necropolis). There are very few finds from Mykonos.Admission € 2.

Folklore Museum, Mykonos Town (a few meters from Paraportiani), ☎+30 22890 22591. Open daily from 4:30PM to 8:30PM, except Sundays. The Folklore Museum, housed in an 18th-century sea captain's house, brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture, folk musical instruments, costumes and textiles.Admission € 2.

Lena's House Museum, Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town (centre of town, next to the Maritime Museum), ☎+30 22890 2239. Open daily from 6:30PM to 9:30PM, except Sundays. Lena's House Museum, a branch of the Folklore Museum, is an authentic 19th-century middle class Mykonian house, completely restored with furnishings.

Aegean Maritime Museum, Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town (centre of town, next to Lena´s House), ☎+30 22890 22700 (museum@emproslines.com). Open daily, from 10:30AM to 1PM and from 6:30PM to 9PM. A collection of nautical instruments and ancient vessels.

The Boni Mill, Mykonos Town (on the upper east section of town), ☎+30 22890 26246. Open daily from June to September, from 4PM to 8PM. A 16th century windmill, overlooking the town. The mill has been maintained and is fully functional featuring its customary wood-burning stone oven.

Beaches

Most of the beaches have tavernas and restaurants and are well equipped with deck chairs and parasols. Most common price is € 12 for a set of two deck chairs and an umbrella. The best beaches are on the south side of the island and sheltered from the prevailing northern wind. On the more popular beaches, it is not uncommon for people to walk down the beach selling probably illegal goods such as DVDs, fake bags, clothes, jewellery and watches. They come right up to you and it can be somewhat annoying but they are easily pushed away with a simple 'No, thank you'. Also, many beaches, even the more family-orientated, are often populated with the 'european' style of sunbathing - i.e. topless.

South coast

Elia Beach, Mykonos

Psarou, (5km from Mykonos Town). This upmarket beach is popular amongst Greeks. Lots of hotels, apartments and restaurants. Psarou is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town. Get off the bus one stop before the last stop, Platys Gialos.

Platys Gialos, (6km from Mykonos Town). Busy family and tourist beach. Lots of hotels, apartments, restaurants and beach bars, lining the long sandy beach. Jet ski rentals are available. Bus service from Mykonos Town is very frequent and takes about 15 minutes. Platys Gialos is the starting point for regular boat services to the other southern Mykonos beaches.

Paranga, (6km from Mykonos Town). Sandy beach. There are some rocks in water, but many places where you can enter over sand. There is a camping, some hotels and some nice beach bars and restaurants. Also popular with gays. Nudity is quite common, especially on the right end (facing the sea). At about 5PM the beach gets really noisy with several beach bars. On the right side Paranga also has a large, more quiet stretch of sandy beach without deck chairs and parasols and without restaurants and bars. Paranga is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town or with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (first stop). It is also an easy walk from Platys Gialos (15 minutes) or Paradise (10 minutes). On your way walking from Platys Galios you will pass by the beach of Aghia Anna, an enchanting little cove nearby Paranga Beach with only a handful of rental umbrellas and lounge chairs. At this golden sand beach there are two lovely restaurants nearby, a more modern Greek restaurant (Santanna) and a traditional-style Greek tavern (Nikolas).

Paradise (Kalamopodi), (6km from Mykonos Town). Probably the most popular beacs known for its parties. At about 4PM the music wil get really loud. Paradise is easily reached by bus from Mykonos Town or with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (second stop).

Super Paradise (Plintri), (7km from Mykonos Town). Restaurants, beach bars and some hotels. The right side of the beach is mostly nude and gay. At about 4PM the music wil get really loud and there will be music from both the left side (Super Paradise Beach Bar Club) and the right side (Coco Club); for some time to leave, for others time to party. There is no bus service to Super Paradise, but it is easily accessible with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (third stop). You can also take the bus to Paradise from Mykonos Town and then continue walking for 20 minutes over the hill to Superparadise. From June to September there is a boat from the harbour in Mykonos Town to Super Paradise, leaving in the morning and returning around 4:30PM in the afternoon. With you own transport it is a difficult winding road from Mykonos Town.

Agrari, (8km from Mykonos Town). Agrari Beach is less popular than its neighbour Elia and much calmer. Well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, with many watersports. If there are enough passengers, the boats from Platys Gialos will make a stop at Agrari. Otherwise, it is an easy 5-minute walk over the rocks from Elia Beach. With you own transport it is a quite difficult road from Mykonos Town.

Elia, (8km from Mykonos Town). Elia is one of the larger beaches on Mykonos. It is a well organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, and various water sports (ski and jet-ski). Three restaurants and taverns. Also popular with gays, especially the small rocky beach between Elia and Agari. Nudity is permitted but not as common as at Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. Nudity is concentrated at the right and nicest part of the beach (towards Agrari). Elia is most easily reached by a direct local bus from Mykonos Town’s northern bus terminal, but also with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos beach (fourth and last stop). Last boat back is at 6PM, but after that time two buses are still running (leaving at 6:30PM and 7:30PM).

East coast

Kalo Livadi, (10km from, Mykonos Town, 2km from Ano Mera). A quiet, long stretch of sandy beach. It offers some taverns with good food, and a few small hotels and villas. Best reached with your own transport, but you can get there by bus. Take the bus to Elia and get off the bus at the top of the hill where it turns to go to Elia Beach and walk for about ten minutes downhill to your left.

Kalafati, (12km from Mykonos Town). A very large, beautiful and less developed beach and a favourite with windsurfers due to the offshore breeze. A variety of water sports are available here, including jet ski, water ski, wakeboard and tube rides. Kalafati can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town, but this bus only runs a few times a day. Immediately next to Kalafatis are the sandy beaches of Draoumia and Tafarnis.

Lia, (14km from Mykonos Town). An uncrowded, sandy beach. Deck chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Some tiny houses of fishermen from a little settlement, with two taverns and a beach bar. To get there you need your own transport or you can walk from Kalafati.

North coast

Fokos. A small beach with coarse sand, not known by many people. This beach has no facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas, but it offers a very good tavern. To get to Fokos you need your own transport. Follow the signs for Fokos from Ano Mera.

Ftelia, (near Ano Mera, southern part of Panormos Bay). This beach faces the north and thus it is affected by the strong summer northern winds, which make it ideal for wind surfing, but not for swimming or sunbathing. Ftelia is an isolated, very tranquil place and even during July and August not very crowded, because it is often quite windy and dusty. To get there you need your own transport. From Ano Mera follow a weaving road down to the beach.

Panormos. On the north side of the island and facing east onto Panormos Bay is the long and beautiful Panormos Beach. Two restaurants, one hotel and a trendy beach club serve this otherwise remote area. Panormos Beach is nudist beach mostly in the right side. To get to Panormos you need your own transport.

Agios Sostis. This beach faces the east of Panormos Bay. Agios Sostis is one of the more remote beaches on the island, without rental lounge chairs and umbrellas. Void of accommodation and crowds this beautiful beach offers not only peace and quiet, but also a very good small restaurant. Nude bathing tolerant. To get there you need your own transport. Take the road beyond Panormos beach.

West coast

A view overlooking Agios Ioannis Beach, Mykonos

Agios Stefanos, (3km north of Mykonos Town). A well developed, sandy beach next to the new harbor. Agios Stefanos is very popular and gets very crowded during summer time. This beach is about the length of a soccer pitch. Agios Stefanos is reachable by bus from Mykonos town.

Tourlos, (2km north of Mykonos Town). A small beach near the new port of Mykonos. The actual beach of Tourlos is not used much anymore since the construction of the new port and marina, but is still a busy area.

Mykonos town beach. There's a small beach at the harbour front (Aghia Anna, one of several by that name on the island). Unless you are waiting for a boat leaving from the old port, there is no reason staying there. Much better beaches are within easy reach.

Megali Ammos, (1km south of Mykonos Town). The nearest beach to Mykonos Town, just a 10-minute walk from Mykonos Town along the coast into the direction of Ornos (or hop on the bus to Ornos). The beach is next to the central road. There is a huge slab in the sea which makes it a little difficult to swim. The beach has no umbrellas and sunbeds due to the strong northerly winds. There are a few hotels and apartments and a wonderful tavern, Joanna's Niko's Place.

Ornos, (3km south of Mykonos Town). Busy family and tourist beach. It gathers many for its sunbeds and umbrellas, and bars and restaurants. The sandy beach slopes gently into the sea. There are schools for sea-skiing and surfing. Ornos is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town (or walk along the coast road for about 30 minutes). 2km north of Ornos is the beach of Korfos, suitable for wind surfing, but not for swimming or sunbathing.

Agios Ioannis (Shirley Valentine Beach), (4km south west of Mykonos Town). Agios Ioannis is a small beach with snorkeling opportunities. The beach never gets over crowded and deck chairs are available to rent. Great tavern and cocktail bar very close. The beach offers a beautiful view towards the nearby islands of Delos and Rheneia. Agios Ioannis is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town. Next to Agios Ioannis is the small beach of Kapari, with a small nude section. This hidden beach is located north of Agios Ioannis, behind Agios Ioannis chapel, and then a steep walk downhill.

Do

Preserved marble theatre in Delos

Delos, a small uninhabited island close to Mykonos, is a UNESCO world heritage area known for its important archaeological sites. There are daily excursions from Mykonos Town except Monday, when the archaeological site is closed. Boats leave at 9AM, 10AM and 11AM from the pier at the west side of the harbour, right behind the little church of Agios Nikolaos. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes. Boats return at 12:15PM, 1:30PM and 3PM. Boat trips to Delos are also organised from Platys Gialos and Paranga Beach. The excavations are open from 8:30AM to 3PM, so have an early start if you really want to see it all. The cost is € 17 for the boat trip plus € 5 for entrance (though free for students and € 3 for those over 65). A guided tour, departing at 10AM from the pier in Mykonos, will cost € 40 (including boat trip and entrance fee). Delos is a must for all visitors.

From Platys Gialos you can take a cruise on a GlassBottom Discover Boat [35], a boat with a glass floor at the bottom through which you can view underwater life. There are beach-to-beach cruises (€ 35), sunset cruises (€ 25) and cruises to Delos and Rhenia (€ 35).

Check the ferry schedules well, but it is possible to make daytrips to the islands of Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos.

Buy

You can go shopping or window shopping in the fabulous little boutiques which carry exclusive name brands, among them outstanding Greek jewelers, souvenirs as well as works of art. Bring money and credit cards. Most shops are open seven days a week, but will be closed from 2PM to 5PM. Many tourist shops will remain open late into the evening. In case you are looking for department stores, as some cruise tourists do, there aren't any.

Mykonos is home to a large artists' colony, so there are a number of fine galleries offering original works.

Of course, you will also find the shops you need to fill all your basic needs and comforts. There are mini-markets, green grocers, butchers, kiosks, bakeries, liquor stores, a few small supermarkets (and bigger supermarkets out of town), many pharmacies, a dry goods shop, bookstores, photo and electronics shops.

ATM's are available throughout town. There's a concentration of ATM's near the southern bus station.

Eat

In Mykonos Town you will find most of the restaurants and eateries. All over town there are various gyros and souvlaki shops and creperies where you can eat quite well for just a few euros. Mykonos offers dining options catering to a range of tastes and budgets. You can have good Greek food at reasonable prices, but it also easy to spend a fortune. Almost all restaurants (and many bars) post their prices on menus at the entrance, so as you walk around you can take a look to see which places offer appealing food in your budget range. Restaurants facing the harbour or the sea (especially in Little Venice) tend to have significantly higher prices, because you are also paying for the location and the view. Restaurants in the streets deeper in the heart of town tend to be more reasonably priced.

Mykonos Town

Antonini's Taverna, Manto Square, Mykonos Town ('taxi square'), ☎+30 22890 22319. Antonini's is one of the oldest of Mykonos' restaurants. This popular, small restaurant serves simple and tasty Greek food at very reasonable prices.

Avra Restaurant, 27 Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town, ☎+30 22890 22298 (info@avra-mykonos.com), [37]. Open from 7PM to 1AM. Excellent Greek food, not exactly cheap, but well worth the price. You can sit inside, at the small terrace overlooking the street or in the garden.

Blue Ginger Restaurant, Periferal Road, Argyraina, Mykonos Town (above the main part of town, opposite the Medical Center), ☎+30 22890 27602 (carolgrunberg2002@yahoo.com), [39]. Open from 6PM to 1AM. Excellent oriental fusion restaurant, serving both Thai and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has views of the sunset and a great atmosphere.

Eva's Garden, Plateia Goumenio, Mykonos Town (centre of town), ☎+30 22890 22160 (evas.myconos@yahoo.gr, fax: +30 22890 27060), [41]. Open from 6PM to 1AM. Home cooked Greek and international dishes in a beautiful garden and roof setting. Dining room inside for windy nights. Excellent service and good atmosphere.

Joanna's Niko's Place, Megali Ammos (right on the beach, a 10-minute walk from Mykonos Town along the coast into the direction of Ornos), ☎+30 22890 24251. A fabulous taverna with tasty Greek food at very reasonable prices. A marvellous place to sit in the evening and watch the sunset. Reservation recommended.

Gola Restaurant, Periferiakos, Drafaki, Mykonos Town (ring road), ☎+30 22890 23010 (info@gola.gr, fax: +30 22890 27387), [42]. Open from 7:30PM. One of the best restaurants in Mykonos, on the outskirts of Mykonos Town. Gourmet restaurant with modern deco and great views of the town and the sea. Superb Italian food.High prices (cheapest dish € 20), but worth it for a special occasion or to indulge yourself. 25% discount during first service 7:30PM-9:30PM.

Katrine’s (La Maison De Catherine), Ayios Gerasimos, Mykonos Town (corner of Gerasimos & Nikou, off Matogianni Street), ☎+30 22890 22169. Open from 6PM to 2AM. One of the most famous and oldest restaurants on the island, with classic French and Greek cuisine and excellent service. Stylish and expensive.The average price for a meat or fish entree is € 100, and small starter plates start from € 20.

Kounelas Fish Tavern, Svoronou, Mykonos Town (near the harbour, next to Porta Bar), ☎+30 22890 28220. Open from 8PM. A small fish tavern in a garden setting. Fresh fish accompanied by Greek salads at a reasonable price. You can select your dish from the limited menu or choose your seafood from the catch of the day. Often full.

Lotus, 47 Matogianni, Mykonos Town (halfway along main street), ☎+30 22890 22881. Small, romantic spot, seating under a canopy of vines. Good food and full bar.It may be a little pricey, but it's worth it.

Niko's Taverna, Ag. Ioanninou, Agias Monis Square, Mykonos Town (one block off the harbour towards Little Venice, near Paraportiani), ☎+30 22890 24320/28220. Open from noon to 1AM. A very popular restaurant which is always packed. An extensive menu of good, authentic Greek food at very reasonable prices.

NiSa Restaurant, 10 Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town (behind the Alpha Bank on Matogianni Street (main street)), ☎+30 22890 78550 (info@avra-mykonos.com), [44]. Open from 7PM to 1AM. Very good Greek cuisine with a little twist. Dining on the porch is great for people watching.Not cheap, but for Mykonos average prices.

Ano Mera

Kalafatis

Aneplora, Kalafati, ☎+30 22890 72470, [46]. The fish restaurant, taverna, ouzeri and bar Aneplora is one of the best places in the south east side of Mykonos at Kalafatis beach with a view over the beach of Aghia Anna. A huge variety of traditional Greek food.

Ornos

Platys Gialos

Atlantida, Platys Gialos (from the bus station the third restaurant on the beach), ☎+30 22890 26618. Excellent restaurant belonging to the Hotel Acrogiali. Great variety of Greek and Italian dishes, all served on a seaside terrace, at reasonable prices.

Avli tou Thodori, Platys Gialos (from the bus station the second restaurant on the beach), ☎+30 22890 78100 (info@avlitouthodori.gr), [47]. Excellent restaurant. Great variety of international and Greek dishes, all served on a seaside terrace.

Psarou

N'Ammos, Psarou (right on the beach), ☎+31 22890 22440, [48]. A beautiful, all white restaurant for the "rich and famous" and known for its celebrity spottings. Mediterranean cuisine. Very expensive, but some say you get what you pay for.

Beach Taverns

Fokos Taverna, Fokos Beach, ☎+30 6945828561, [49]. Open from 1PM till 7PM, till 8PM in August. Meat, grilled fish, cooked dishes (one per day, and good) and a large variety of salads. A bit remote, but the tavern itself is worth the trip.

Kiki's Taverna, Agios Sostis (on the steep hill walking towards the beach entrance). Open from 11AM till 6PM. A hidden gem. There is seating for perhaps two dozen people at most, and because there’s no electricity, the restaurant closes just before dusk. Everything is really tasty and fresh, cooked on an outdoor grill, served with fresh homemade salads

La Luna Beach Taverna, Lia Beach, ☎+30 22890 72150. This remote Italian bistro is worth the drive, for the sea and the cuisine.

Nikolas, Agia Anna Beach (a 2-minute walk from Paranga Beach into the direction of Platys Gialos), ☎+30 22890 23566. A family-run beach tavern with traditional Greek dishes at affordable prices. They have been there since 1967!

Caprice, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town (Little Venice), ☎+30 22890 23541, [53]. Located on the edge of the sea wall in Little Venice, with entrances at the front and back, Caprice Bar can be packed wall to wall. Here you can enjoy the music, cocktails and a trendy party atmosphere.

Katerina's Bar, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town (Little Venice), ☎+30 22890 23804. Open from 10PM to 3:30AM. Katerina's Cocktail Bar is built on two levels and each level has a balcony that hangs over the sea in Little Venice, making it good spot to view the sunset over a cocktail.

Madoupas Cafe-bar & Restaurant, Mykonos Town (in the harbour), ☎+30 22890 22224. Have a drink or meal at the terrace in the harbour and watch the people walk by.Prices are better than at other spots in the harbour.

Montparnasse (The Piano Bar), 24 Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town (Little Venice), ☎+30 22890 23719 (pianobar4u@bellsouth.net), [54]. Open from 8PM to 3:30AM. Montparnasse, with a balcony hanging over the sea, is another favorite spot for watching the sunset and having a cocktail. But more important, from 10PM to 2AM it turns into an exceptional piano bar with cabaret entertainment. Straight friendly and highly recommended.

Skandinavian Bars-Disco, Agion Ioannis Barkia, Mykonos Town (near Nikos Taverna), ☎+30 22890 22669 (info@skandinavianbar.com), [55]. Skandinavian Bar is one of the 'landmark' party places on Mykonos since 1978. Comprised of an outdoor square with seating all around, two smaller downstairs bars and the upstairs disco overseeing it all. Friendly atmosphere, excellent service and - not unimportant - drinks at the best prices (large beer € 5).

Thalami, Mykonos Town (old port, under Mykonos' Town Hall and next to Nikos tavern). Open from 10PM till late. Popular bar with Greek music.

Gay bars and nightclubs

Babylon, Paraportiani waterfront, Mykonos Town (old harbour, next to Jacky O'), ☎+30 22890 25152. Open from 10AM till late. A new gay dance club, opened in 2009. There's a dance floor and drag shows. Babylon is less crowded than its neighbour Jacky O'.Beer € 6.

Jacky O', Paraportiani waterfront, Mykonos Town (old harbour), ☎+30 22890 79167, [56]. Open from 10AM till late. The most popular gay dance club, opened in 2009. The party goes wild at about 2AM till sometimes 7AM. Inside there's a really crowded dance floor and shows by drag queens. During peak summer nights, hundreds of people are hanging out outside at the waterfront. Recommended.Beer € 6.

Diva, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town (near Little Venice, near Paraportiani), ☎+30 22890 27271. Open from 10PM till late. Diva Bar is a cozy, intimate bar, with the sea lapping at its doorstep located in Little Venice. The owner Vangelio is a colorful character and it takes only a few lively souls to create the party here. Lesbians very welcome.

Kastro Bar, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town (Little Venice, next to Paraportiani), ☎+30 22890 23072, [57]. Open from 7PM till late. Kastro offers a magnificant sunset view in a relaxed and romantic atmosphere with classical music. It is a cocktail bar, but their most notorious drink is the Kastro Coffee (secret recipe, but you will taste some Metaxa). The arrangement of tables and benches is such that it’s almost impossible not to get engaged in conversation with strangers. Only busy early in the evening, till about 10PM. Recommended.Cocktails € 10-12.

Lola, 4 Zani Pitaraki, Mykonos Town (between Limni Square & Little Venice), ☎+30 22890 23072 (magicgilles@yahoo.com). Open from 7PM till late. Opened November 2009. This new bar has a very cabaret, theatrical feel.

Porta Bar, Ionni Voinovich, Mykonos Town (in an alley just a few meters back from the blue-domed church at the harbour front, next to Kounelas Fish Tavern), ☎+30 22890 27087. Open from 8PM to 3:30AM. Busy 11:30PM-2AM. Porta Bar in Mykonos is in one of the backstreets of Mykonos Town, so you may have to ask around to locate it. Otherwise use the back entrance, easy to find between Nikos Taverna and Skandinavian Bar. Since 2010 unrecognizably renovated and change of management. Since 2011 French bartender Sophie rules the place again and has brought back the party atmosphere.Beer € 4.

Ramrod, Manto Square, Mykonos Town ('taxi square', in the old harbour), ☎+30 22890 24301, [60]. Open from 10PM till late. From the terrace you can have a nice view over the harbour. Inside there's a dance floor and shows by drag queens and go-go dancers.

Beach bars

Coco Club Bar, Super Paradise Beach (on a rock, at the right side of Super Paradise). A beach bar overlooking the beach. Attracts a gay crowd.

Kalua Beach Bar, Paranga Beach, ☎+30 22890 23927. By day, this bleached-white beach bar serves good local cuisine at decent prices. Come 6PM though, the DJ strikes up and the dancing begins. By midnight until the early hours it’s a wild scene.

Super Paradise Beach Club, Super Paradise Beach, ☎+30 22890 23023/25373 (summer@superparadise.com.gr), [62]. The party starts in the afternoon and continues until late at night, with the peak in July and August.

Nightclubs

Although Mykonos´ nightlife focuses mainly on bars, there are a number of notable dance clubs to be found on the island, some of them attracting world-famous DJs.

Cavo Paradiso, Paradise Beach (on a hill, to the left of Paradise Beach), ☎+30 22890 27205 (info@cavoparadiso.gr, fax: +30 22890 25949), [64]. Open from 12:30AM to 8:30AM and only during the busy months of July and August. Cavo Paradiso, an Ibiza-style open-air mega club, has a fantastic view of the sea and a huge swimming pool in the middle of the club, where you can party and dance till well after the sun comes up. The party doesn't start until at least 2AM. Clubbers from all around the world voted for Cavo Paradiso as one of the 10 best clubs of the world. [65] Famous DJ's, like Roger Sanchez, David Morales, Paul Oakenfold, Sander van Doorn and Tiësto, play here every summer and various music events are hosted frequently. Very expensive!

Paradise Club Mykonos, Paradise Beach (on a hill, to the left of Paradise Beach), (office@paradiseclub-mykonos.com), [66]. The biggest nightclub on the island and voted for as one of the 100 best clubs of the world. [67] With three stages and a swimming pool. Famous DJ's, like Moby, Bob Sincar, Fedde Legrand, David Guetta and Armin van Buuren, play here every summer. The party starts every day around 4:30PM, with the peak in July and August. The daily party can run into the night.

Space, Lakka Square, Mykonos Town (near to the grade school and amphitheatre), ☎+30 22890 24100 (info@spacemykonos.gr), [68]. A house-music club. Space Nightclub is the only large club in town and is popular with a young crowd. The party doesn't start until well after midnight and continues till around 6AM.Drinks from € 15.

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:

Budget

Under € 75

Mid-range

€ 75-150

Splurge

Over € 150

Mykonos has a well developed tourist infrastructure with countless hotels, studios, apartments and rooms for rent. Accommodation can be found in and around Mykonos Town and nearby the beaches. Compared to other Greek islands accommodation in Mykonos is expensive. The price of accommodation varies greatly according to season. Mentioned from-prices are for low season. Expect prices to double in high season. Mykonos becomes overcrowded from mid July to the end of August, so be sure you have a room waiting if you go during that period. Beware that every year a lot of Greek tourist visit Mykonos around the weekend of Pentecost, which is at movable dates but in 2012 will be at the 3rd and 4th of June.
Most of the hotels will close at the end of October and will open again at the end of April or the beginning of May.

A lot of the locals rent rooms and they will be waiting for you when you arrive at the port or the airport, waving pictures of their rooms. They will be there in peak season as well. Most of them are from small establishments that aren't listed on the internet. If approached to let a room, make sure you don't end up in an isolated apartment up on the hills around the town. Outside high season it is also easy enough to look around in Mykonos Town for yourself. There are 'rooms' signs everywhere. Wandering around with a suitcase or backpack you will be approached.

Mykonos Hoteliers Association, Mykonos Town (near the old port, a white building with a sign 'hotel info reservations' above the entrance), ☎+30 22890 24540 (mykhotels@otenet.gr, fax: +30 22890 24760), [69]. From 8AM till midnight. At the Mykonos Hoteliers Assocation you can book a room on the spot (no bookings in advance). The association also operates a Tourist Information and Accommodation Desk at the airport.

Mykonos Association of Rooms, Studios & Apartments, Mykonos Town (near the old port, same building as the Mykonos Hoteliers Association), ☎+30 22890 24860/26860. From 9AM till 10PM. Booking of a room on the spot (no bookings in advance).

Camping

For the young and most budget conscious travelers there are two campgrounds, both situated at popular beaches:

Mykonos Camping, Paranga Beach, ☎+30 22890 25915-6/24578 (info@mycamp.gr, fax: +30 22890 24578), [71]. Mykonos Camping extends out on a headland overlooking the sea. A camping with a self-service restaurant, cafe-bar, swimming pool, mini market and bike rental. Paraga Beach Hostel is part of this camping (or it might just be rebranding). A good choice if you want a more relaxed camping, though not quiet.Camping 2 adults with own small tent from € 12, dorm room from € 10 per person, bungalow from € 25 and apartment from € 60.

Paradise Beach Resort and Camping, Paradise Beach, ☎+30 22890 22852/22129 (reception@paradisemykonos.com, fax: +30 22890 24350), [72]. A pretty much self contained camping with a self-service restaurant, snackbar, beach bar, mini market, boutique, internet and bike rental. A good choice if you want a more developed camping and are looking to meet other young backpackers and party all night long.Camping 2 adults with own small tent from € 13.50, cabin from € 20, bungalow from € 34, room from € 40 and apartment (sleeps 4 persons) from € 80.

Both are reachable by public bus from Mykonos Town or by boat from Platys Gialos. Both offer shuttle bus transportation to and from the airport and ferry boat ports.

Budget

Drafaki, Anargyros Koukas, Drafaki, Mykonos Town, ☎+30 22890 22470 (drafaki@otenet.gr, fax: +30 22890 22116), [74]. A family run hotel located at a traffic crossing a little outside Mykonos Town (a 15-minute walk). The bus to Paradise Beach and Paranga Beach stops in front of the hotel.

Nazos Hotel, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town (on the edge of town, from the southern bus station a 5-minute walk up the hill), ☎+30 22890 22626 (info@hotelnazos.com, fax: +30 22890 24604), [75]. A small, family run hotel with 14 rooms.From € 60 to € 125.

Vouniotis Pension, Vrissi, Mykonos Town (600m out of Mykonos Town), ☎+30 22890 22635 (info@vouniotispension-mykonos.com, fax: +30 22890 26758), [79]. In a quiet area, but a bit of a trek up the hill (15 minutes). The Vouniotis Pension complex constists of 15 rooms, comprised of a fridge, a TV, a private bathroom and a veranda.Rooms from € 35.

Vista Apartments, Mykonos Town (near the old port and the northern bus station), ☎+30 22890 28657, [80]. Fully-appointed, spacious apartments for 2 to 5 persons, close to the old port in Mykonos Town, and Nikos Apartments[81] located in Megali Ammos.From € 50 to € 140.

Mid-range

Adonis Hotel, Bida Street, Mykonos Town (a 3-minute walk from the southern bus station), ☎+30 22890 22434 (adonis@myk.forthnet.gr, fax: +30 22890 23449), [83]. A family-run hotel with comfortable rooms, many of which have a view. The owners and staff will make you feel at home. Value for money.From € 105 to € 200.

Elysium Hotel, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town (on a hill), ☎+30 22890 23952, [86]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon. A gay only 4-star hotel. The Elysium promotes itself as a 'luxury' hotel, but the rooms have small beds and minimal amenities. An attractive pool area. Friendly staf. The hotel is at a steep hill, with views to the sea, city and sunset. Like everything else that is "exclusively" gay, this hotel is very pricey, especially the food and drinks in the hotel.From € 120 to € 310.

Omiros Hotel, Tagoo, Mykonos Town (a 10-minute walk up on a hillside in Mykonos Town), ☎+30 22890 23328 (omiros_@otenet.gr, fax: +30 22890 24639), [93]. This family-run hotel has 10 recently renovated rooms with their own private terrace, offering a view of the picturesque port and the sunset.From € 70.

Panormos Village Hotel, Panormos, ☎+30 22890 25182 (info@panormosvillage.gr, fax: +30 2289025640), [94]. Hotel Panormos Village is a family owned Mykonos resort, located directly on the sea front on the north coast of Mykonos island. The whitewashed stone studios and apartments with private verandas are surrounded by gardens built on different levels.From € 75 to € 150.

Pelican Hotel, Mykonos Town (School of Fine Arts district), ☎+30 22890 23454 (info@pelican-hotel-mykonos.com, fax: +30 22890 23749), [95]. A 3-star hotel only 200m (a 10-minute walk) from Mykonos town center. Located on a steep hill, so it is bit of a climb. It has an amazing panoramic view of Mykonos Town and port.

Rochari Hotel, Koustathanas, Mykonos Town (on a hillside on the eastern edge of town), ☎+30 22890 23107 (fax: +30 22890 24307), [98]. A family run 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms, most of which have a view. Serves breakfast till 1PM. With a swimming pool and pool bar. Rochari has a baby sister hotel, Little Rochari [99], in the School of Fine Arts district.From € 90 to € 260.

Tagoo Hotel, Tagoo, Mykonos (above the old port on a hillside, 700m north of town, a 10-minute walk), ☎+30 22890 22611/27106 (hoteltagoo@gmail.com), [101]. Wonderful place to stay near town, and an excellent value. Recently renovated, it has a pool with a great view and a bar with a relaxed atmosphere. The owners are incredibly hospitable.

Belvedere Hotel, Lakka Rochari, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town (near the southern bus station, up the hill), ☎+30 22890 25122 (contact@belvederehotel.com), [103]. A 5-star hotel. One of the most popular boutique hotels. The Belvedere has wonderful sea views but the rooms at the rear of the hotel have traffic noise.From € 108 to € 2,000.

Kouros Boutique Hotel, Tagoo, Mykonos Town (on a hillside above the old port, 700m north of town, a 10-minute walk), ☎+30 22890 25381 (info@kouros-hotel.com, fax: +30 22890 25379), [104]. A beautiful boutique hotel. All rooms offer great views of Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea.From € 200 to € 1,500.

Video

Contact

Telephone

The cheapest way to call someone abroad is – and this is really cheap - to use a pre-paid calling card and call from a land line anywhere (also from your hotel room). Pre-paid calling cards are sold in many shops and kiosks in Mykonos Town. The calling card is not much more than a phone number and a pin code, which you dial prior to dialing the usual phone number. If you want to call internationally , ask for a international calling card. For one euro you can call for about 45 minutes, so buy a card in the cheapest value (which is about 3 euros). Calling someone for half an hour is cheaper than sending one email from an internet café. Cards expire usually 90 days after first use.
You can use this pre-paid calling card also at public phone boxes, which are widely available in Mykonos Town, though there are a lot of broken phone boxes as well.

Internet

Angelo's Internet Cafe, Mykonos Town (on the road between the southern bus station and the windmills), ☎+30 22890 24106 (mycnetcafe@otenet.gr). Mykonos' most popular internet cafe.€ 1 per 15 minutes.

Stay safe

Mykonos is generally a safe island, with the only problem of dangerous and drunk driving. Be aware in case you want to rent a motorbike or quadbike, because its roads are sometimes narrow with sudden twists that need driving experience and extra care.

Mykonos Hospital, Mykonos Town (uphill from town, about 1km along the road to Ano Mera), ☎+30 22890 23998/23994. The public hospital in Mykonos has a 24-hour emergency service with pathologists, surgeons, pediatricians, dentists, and X-ray technicians.